Language: Indonesian
Source: George Cameron Stone, 1934.

Description

Parang beladeh / parang belabang is a curved saber from the southern part of the island of Borneo.

It was primarily used by Malays living in that part of the island, during the Sultanate of Banjar that lasted until 1905. Some also ended up in the hands of Dayak chieftains, probably through trade.

Collectors in the English-speaking world mostly know the weapon as parang nabur in following of Stone's Glossary.1 

 

Parang nabur

Some typical examples of the parang nabur.
Sold by Mandarin Mansion in 2020.

 

Many parang beladah combine a curved saber blade with both local and Islamic design features, often with a sharp backedge, with a handle that is strongly inspired by Dutch and English naval cutlasses.

 

Notes to introduction
1. George Cameron Stone; Donald J. LaRocca; A Glossary of The Construction, Decoration and Use of Arms and Armor: In All Countries and In All Times. Courier Dover Publications, 1999. Page 482. Also see Albert G. van Zonneveld, Traditional Weapons of the Indonesian Archipelago. Zwartenkot Art Books, Leiden. 2001. Page 99.

 

Parang nabur hilts

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A rare type of dagger from South Kalimantan, loosely based on Islamic daggers seen worn by traders.

€475,-

Its scabbard with 12 pockets, with 10 of the items remaining.

€475,-

A curious slashing weapon from northern Borneo.

€2800,-

A what? Yes exactly. An extremely rare piece, the only example I am aware of in published collections at…

€7500,-

With an inscription alluding to it having belonged to the son of Tipu Sultan.

€2500,-

Of steel construction with gold overlay. Of a type produced in Rajasthan in the early 1800s.

€4300,-